paleoanthropology
noun
pa·leo·an·thro·pol·o·gy
ˌpā-lē-ō-ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jē 
especially British ˌpa-
: a branch of anthropology dealing with fossil hominids
Examples of paleoanthropology in a Sentence
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In the world of paleoanthropology, there are splitters, who emphasize the differences between fossils, and lumpers, who emphasize the similarities.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2025
But two new studies — which researchers say are among the biggest paleoanthropology papers of the year — detail how scientists were able to extract genetic material from the fossil and help unravel this biological mystery.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Mysterious early human relatives The mountainous region of Spain where the fossils were found has been an important locale for paleoanthropology.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Ian Tattersall explores this pivotal moment in paleoanthropology, highlighting how Lucy, a fossil unearthed in the 1970s, transformed the field by challenging the traditional view that human ancestors were merely rough guides.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2024
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Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2025
But two new studies — which researchers say are among the biggest paleoanthropology papers of the year — detail how scientists were able to extract genetic material from the fossil and help unravel this biological mystery.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Mysterious early human relatives The mountainous region of Spain where the fossils were found has been an important locale for paleoanthropology.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Ian Tattersall explores this pivotal moment in paleoanthropology, highlighting how Lucy, a fossil unearthed in the 1970s, transformed the field by challenging the traditional view that human ancestors were merely rough guides.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for paleoanthropology
Cite this Entry
“Paleoanthropology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paleoanthropology. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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